Wednesday, February 15, 2012

A few days ago I was sitting in front of my fireplace when something I read years ago came back to mind. I read an article in Food and Wine that profiled the wonderful Alice Waters of Chez Panisse. Only the article took a different spin. . . it was her daughter that was doing the talking. As a child Fanny grew up eating only the finest. One of her fondest memories was her mother poaching an egg in olive oil over a wood burning stove. YUM!

So it was midnight, the memory was there and I was hungry. So I did it! And I hated it for two reasons. 1. I will never want a traditional poached egg again, and 2. Pretty sure I was at the beginning stages of carpel tunnel for how long I held it over the coals. But I must say it was so worth the wait. I did not have olive oil but I did have Irish butter which was just as delicious.

Excuse my messy ashes but I found by poking the wood I got smaller coals and a more gentle heat.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

For a catering event this past weekend I thought it would be fun do do a sugar garnish for my chocolate cake. They are super easy and fun to do! Here is the final result:

I found this youtube video that teaches how to make spun sugar as well and plan on doing it for another event this weekend. The Glucose part is not necessary if you do not have it. Just keep a close eye on the melting sugar and make sure to use a damp pastry brush along the sides of the pan to keep from crystalizing.

If you want to do flat garnishes like mine, simply drizzle your melted sugar onto a silpat. Once cooled, carefully remove it and place on your cake. Happy baking!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

I hate baking. Like a lot. It takes everything I don't have ie: patience, attention to fine detail, and precision. Which is why this year I will accept every offer to bake a cake I get. I don't typically do resolutions but I figure if I can create something lovely, and hone these qualities I don't have but want, it only makes for better all around! This was for a job last weekend.